I would like to compliment you on what may have been the nicest campus I've had the pleasure of visiting. We didn't go sightseeing, but got our own "tour" of your grounds when our kamikaze bus driver got lost. While getting lost is an expected occurrence on most road trips, this was a bit different. We were lost amidst hundreds of brick buildings that all looked the same on skinny streets that didn't fit our bus. And this guy thought he was Keanu Reeves in Speed.
And the fact that your campus is pretty much an island made the adventure even more thrilling as we nearly boarded a few sea-worthy vessels attempting to back out of a one-way street.
It was cool seeing all your "midshipmen" (editor's note: that's what the students are called- this was another topic of discussion. We knew at Army they are called "cadets," but we were unsure as to the proper title for Navy students; we asked one of the players during a pause in the game.) roaming campus in uniform - and we thought about how cool it would be if all of OUR clothes had our names on them. Laundry would be so much easier.
But I greatly respect what you do. The regiment you live under is incredibly demanding, I know - and that's to be commended. I certainly couldn't do it.
Also, midshipman whoever-he-was that sang the national anthem joined the ranks of Jimi Hendrix and Whitney Houston with his performance before the game. I mean it was unreal. This little baby-faced guy in uniform walked out to midcourt looking like a teenaged Matt Damon.
Then he started singing the national anthem and the voice of God just rocked the entire arena. I mean your boy made the "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" guy sound like a little mouse. Seriously.
It was at about this time when things got real. We battled through a sloppy first half and just kept plugging away in the second on our way to a ten-point victory.
Then it was time to boogie back into the locker room - with a win.
Oh, Navy: thank you for the locker room accommodations. The individual vanities made me feel like Marilyn Monroe. It was beautiful. (see below)
Next time, though, could you please turn on the air conditioning? It was 60 degrees outside, which I understand may be chilly for you here in Maryland, but I don't understand why the gym roasted us like Hot Pockets. By the second half the towels on our bench may as well have been underwater.
But I have no problem with a little home-court advantage. It's things like these that make games and seasons fun.
Sincerely,
Mr. Smiley
ps. We are now in Towson to battle your neighbors, the Tigers.
Towson's Arena - sight of tomorrow afternoon's showdown
